Italy is a popular holiday destination for many reasons. The people, the climate, the culture and the food make it an ideal place for a couple of weeks off. Sicily is a particular highlight and is a superb place to sample Italian life.

Here’s our guide on where to stay in Sicily and what we think are the best places to head.

Where to stay in Sicily: best places and accommodation

With its beautiful nature and vibrant towns and cities, Sicily is home to some of the best places to stay in Italy. Here are our top picks.

Taormina

 

 

 

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Taormina is a town set atop the Mt Etna volcano. While we talk a bit more about the Mount Etna National Park as a whole below, we rate Taormina as a must-see destination in itself.

Renting an agriturismo near here is a wonderful idea as it means you can easily get a hit of Italian urban culture, while having time to relax in the grounds of your agriturismo for downtime.

In the town itself, it has a wonderful Ancient Greek theatre that provides some of the most stunning coastal views you can find on the island.

Syracuse

 

 

 

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Hiring an agriturismo near Syracuse is also a sure fire way to ensure you have a fantastic Italian holiday.

Syracuse is famed for its Greek Theatre and Roman amphitheatre so it is not short of a bit of culture. However, it is also simply a wonderful place to meander around and soak up the Italian ambience.

There is a small beach here too, with the city built right on the cliff face. It makes for a dramatic scene.

→ Find the best farmhouses in Syracuse 

Erice

 

 

 

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Based on the West side of the island near the coastal town of Trapani, Erice has to be seen to be believed. It’s an old medieval hilltop town set high above sea levels so if you are staying in an agriturismo near here, you are well set for a holiday with spectacular views 24/7.

It is an ideal place to head if you are a history lover as there are so many remnants of the town’s medieval past.

→ Find the best farmhouses in Erice

Where to stay in Sicily for the best beaches

Sicily has some of the best beaches in Italy, if not Europe. The impressive backdrops on many of the beaches are thanks to the island’s highly dramatic coastline.

There are several beaches on the island that you might want to stay near, and all of which will make for one of the most relaxing holidays you have had in years.

Licata, Cala Paradiso

 

 

 

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We love Licata because it has a vast, golden sandy beach and clear, blue sea.

It doesn’t attract as many tourists as other beaches on the island either, so it's a bit quieter than some hotspots. This is why it’s popular with the locals, and the eateries nearby are usually a little bit cheaper than busier locations.

Agrigento, Scala dei Turchi

 

 

 

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Agrigento does attract the tourists because of the rock formation here called Scala dei Turchi. This stunning natural wonder has to be seen to be believed as it looks like steps have been carved out of the rock - when really it’s simply the work of Mother Nature.

There’s a long beach leading up to it which is not only a great place to kick back and relax but also take incredible photos of this awe-inspiring site.

→ Find the best farmhouses in Agrigento

Mondello

 

 

 

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Mondello is about half an hour by bus from Palermo and well worth the trip. The turquoise sea is incredibly inviting, especially after warming up on the white sand under the hot Mediterranean sun.

The food here is as heavenly as the view, and being so close to the sea means that you can eat seafood cooked by locals who know exactly what they’re doing with freshly caught produce.

Where to stay in Sicily for a week

While it might be tempting to move around Sicily to get to know the entire island on your trip, staying in one place can be just as rewarding. A couple of places that are fantastic to take a little longer staying in are:

Mount Etna National Park

 

 

 

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No trip to Sicily would be complete without visiting Mount Etna. Staying in the National Park can be an incredibly worthwhile and satisfying option.

Not only is it a real treat to wake up to the view of Mount Etna everyday but there are some wonderful trails for trekking or off-roading too.

→ Find the best farmhouses in Mount Etna National Park. 

Province of Palermo

 

 

 

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The province of Palermo remains a big attraction for many visitors to Sicily, and with good reason. The area is steeped in history and provides much to see and do.

Palermo is the island’s capital, so spending at least a day exploring the city is very interesting. Even if you’re not passionate about the local culture, you’ll enjoy visiting the city’s markets and making the most of the nightlife.

Then, when you’re finished in Palermo, you can head to Cefalu right on the beach to kick back and relax.

→ Find the best farmhouses in the Province of Palermo

Sicily is a particular highlight and is a superb place to sample Italian life. Our favourite way to do this is by staying in one of the island’s famed “agritourism” farmhouses.

The great thing about agritourism is the quintessential Italian experience. When staying on a Sicilian farm, you get that Italian feel with a distinct Sicilian edge.

In these beautiful settings, you’ll get to eat delicious, traditional food whilst enjoying views of the stunning Sicilian countryside.

In short, staying on a Sicilian agritursmo offers an authentic experience where you can relax and enjoy your precious time on holiday.